A MAN high on heroin used a vinegar bottle and a kitchen knife in a frenzied attack on two police sergeants.

The officers found Clinton Flynn hiding in the pantry of his home but, when they tried to arrest him, he went berserk.

They had gone to the house after DNA evidence at the scene of a burglary in Bury Road linked the crime to Flynn.

Flynn, aged 23, of Pimlott Road, Bolton, appeared at Bolton Crown Court yesterday for sentence for a burglary.

He was due to stand trial for wounding and assaulting the officers but he admitted the charges before the start of the trial.

Judge Bruce Macmillan jailed him for three years.

Alaric Bassano, prosecuting, said the burglary happened on May 1 when homeowner Michael Regan was out.

He returned to find the kitchen window had been smashed and damage caused to a an alarm panel. Nothing had been taken.

When Sergeants David Barlow and James Morton Winward went to Pimlott Road, they found Flynn hiding in the pantry.

As they told him he was being arrested, Flynn kicked and punched Sgt Barlow in the head and legs.

Sgt Winward came to his colleague's assistance but Flynn launched a frenzied attack on both men, grabbing a vinegar bottle and aiming it at Sgt Barlow's head.

He then grabbed a large kitchen knife with an eight-inch long blade and threatened to kill the officers.

Both officers backed away and Flynn threw the knife away and ran. He was caught and subdued after a struggle outside.

Mr Bassano said Sgt Winward received a cut finger, abrasions and bruises, and Sgt Barlow suffered bruises, cuts and abrasions and sprained muscles in his shoulder.

Since the attack, Sgt Barlow had suffered anxiety attacks and sought medical help.

The court was told Flynn had a long record including burglaries and violence. He had served four years in jail for 35 burglaries.

Flyn had been a heroin addict since the age of 18. On the evening of the attack, he had been under the influence of the drug and couldn't remember much.